The attacks in the recent days against the Embassy of Montenegro in Belgrade are not only an act of vandalism, but also an expression of blind hatred by the Serb radical and nationalistic circles against the legitimacy and decision- making right of the Parliament of Montenegro.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors condemns the violence against the Diplomatic Representation of Montenegro, which is an untouchable institution safeguarded by international conventions; it does also express the concern for the spirit of conflict and tension produced by such actions.
The Region needs understanding and friendly communication in order to carry on the aspiration of the Balkan peoples in their path to the European Union.
Therefore, the relations among the countries of our region should be characterized by good neighborliness and respect for the fundamental rights of independence for self – determination.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors urges the Government of Albania, which just took the rotating OSCE Presidency to play a vigorous role in deescalating the tension inflamed in Belgrade and be active through diplomatic actions and communication in overcoming the created situation.
It is high time for Albanian diplomacy to move on intensively and speak out openly in defense of the legitimacy of sovereign decision-making right of the Parliament of Montenegro with regard to religious freedom, as one of the areas that are part of the OSCE mandate.
Abusing with religion for nationalistic agendas and hegemonic policies against neighboring countries would return us to the time of Milosevic.
The peoples of our region have suffered so much from these policies. Official Belgrade should break apart once for good with the political legacy of the 90′ and it should observe the independence and the sovereign right of its neighboring states.
This is the only alternative that contributes to the Euro – Atlantic aspiration of our region.
